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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

OBREGD, n. Also obrigd(t), oobregd, ubregd, ubrigd. An additional differentiating mark made in a sheep's ear, e.g. when a flock changes hands (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)). [′obrɛg, ′ubrɪg]Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 176:
If anyone got a lamb from another, an oobregd mark must be put thereon.

[The exact formation is uncertain. The second element is Icel. bragð, Faer., Norw. dial. bragd, sheep-mark. The first element may represent O.N. á-, to-, additional. Jak. also gives forms afbreg(d), utbrag. Cf. also the cogn. Norw. dial. åbregde, alteration.]

19658

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